Grade 12 - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Sunday School Curriculum Grade 12
A. Coverings
The first layer consisted of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet silk. We have already noted
the symbolic significance of this in our study of the curtains of the door in the outer court. A
cherub was embroidered and added here in the holy place. This layer symbolizes spiritual
virtues, which the Lord grants to the inner soul.
The second layer consisted of coverings made of coarse goat‘s skins. Their dark color denoted
the hardship believers and the Church tolerate due to external persecution. Inwardly, however,
they are filled with the grace and consolation granted by God ―I am dark but lovely... like the
tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon‖ (Song of Songs 1:5).
The third layer was made of rams‘ skins dyed red which remind us of the leather clothes that
God made for Adam and Eve to cover them up. It also points to the One who will come at the
end of the days, ―a lamb with no spot,‖ to be slain for us to cover (atone) our sins and clothe
us with His righteousness.
The last layer was a covering made of dark badger skin (a sea animal) and strongly resistant to
weather conditions. It indicates the Lord‘s protection and surveillance over His children,
guarding them in their wanderings and estrangement and as the Holy Word says, ―I clothed
you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin‖ (Ezekiel 16:10).
From the above, it is clear that the construction of the tabernacle and its coverings denote the
Lord Incarnate, pure, holy, and appearing as the Son of Man. Some have said of Him ―Is not
that the Son of Joseph‖ and Peter said to Him: ―you are Jesus, the Son of God‖. The
tabernacle of meeting indicates the Church as she travels in the wilderness of this world and is
sunburned. Consequently, it is black (Song of Songs 1:5). However, it is lovely internally as it
is ―variously ornamented‖. This refers to the soul of each one of us.
God has ornamented our souls with saintly virtues, and He has become our shield repelling
the fiery arrows of the wicked enemy.
IV. The Contents of the Sanctuary or Holy Place
A. The Table of the Showbread (of the Presence of God, Exodus 25:23-30, 37:10-16)
God ordered that the table be made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold. Its dimensions were
two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and half cubit high. It had a molding of gold all
around it. There were four gold rings at the four corners, and through these, poles were passed
when the table was carried. On the table, twelve loaves (showbread) were put and left for the
whole week. They would then be removed and replaced by twelve others. Only the priests ate
of it in the holy place.
This is the first time in the Bible where the table for serving the Lord is mentioned. It is a
symbol of our Lord and Redeemer who offered Himself as the ―Bread of Life.‖ It is also a
reference to the Communion to which the Lord invites us so that we could eat and be satisfied
by His blessed Person. The Lord offered Himself by giving His holy Body and Blood as food
and a means of growth for us. This is possible through our communion with the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit ―Our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ‖ (1
John 1:3).
B. The Golden Lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24)
There were no windows in the tent to give light. Therefore, God commanded that a golden
lampstand be used in the Sanctuary to give light. The Holy Word does not specify its
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